It’s amazing how time flies. The end of the year is upon us and so is summer. But it’s not over just yet, there’s still time to book your festive season getaway with us.

This summer, we’re flying direct to the hottest locations in and out of Africa. Whether you’re into relaxing by the seaside or exploring city sidewalks, South African Airways will get you there.

If you really want to turn up the heat, take advantage of our featured destination, the sizzling city of Sao Paolo. Visit this booming centre of cuisine and cosmopolitan life for the ultimate urban experience – enjoy the nightlife from sunset to sundown or simply take in the culture at the world famous Museu Afro Brasil.

To make your summer holiday even more effortless, use our simple online tools. They’re designed to help make booking a breeze, so the only thing you have to worry about is what to pack.

Win with Avis

When you’re on the ground, don’t forget to book your rental with Avis. Redeem your Voyager Miles or book a rental, and you could stand a chance to win a summer holiday to the value of R50 000, or one of three monthly getaways to the value of R10 000.

For now, we wish you sunny days and here’s to a well-deserved festive season filled with happy travels.

Destination of the month – Brazil

Sun, sea and Samba!

The long-lasting impression most visitors leave Brazil with is of carefree, colourful people dancing and celebrating in street parades at Carnival. It's a culture with a passion for life and exuberance of spirit that charms visitors from around the world.

The country has much to offer visitors all year round. Tourists descending on the country's exciting cities, such as hedonistic Rio de Janeiro, can enjoy the five-star hotels, shopping malls, pristine beaches, sunny skies and bustling nightlife. You can even share a drink and a laugh with the locals at one of the many shanty towns known as favelas.

Being even larger than the United States, Brazil boasts a world of exciting contrasts. From the Amazon and Pantanal rain forests to the mountain towns of Minas Gerais, the concrete jungle of Sao Paulo and the vast central plateau around Brasilia, as well as the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Add samba, sunshine, sultry smiles and soccer, and you have one of the most exotic and exciting places in the world.

São Paulo

As the largest city in South America and the business heart of Brazil, São Paulo is also a vibrant cultural and entertainment centre, where theatres, museums, international restaurants and exciting clubs have been part of the landscape for many years.

SAA Voyager members can also take advantage of Star Alliance’s strong presence in Brazil, with 13 carriers operating to/from Guarulhos Airport making São Paulo a perfect gateway to other destinations in South, Central and North America. For more information on Star Alliance benefits, please go to:

Showcasing Africa – Accra

The best of cosmopolitan Africa

With its warm waters, palm trees and white sandy beaches, Accra is the fast becoming one of the most popular getaways in Africa. When the weekend hits, the seaside capital of Ghana awakens to the sound of the waves rolling in from the Atlantic spurred on by smooth reggae sounds from the many cocktail bars and lounges.

Need to make a call at 10 000ft?

Now you can! SAA customers are permitted to use their cellular telephones in flight-mode during the cruise-phase of a flight.

This exemption applies to all flights (domestic, regional, international) and all aircraft types and is effective immediately.

So when you next travel with us, you'll be able to use your smart-phone or tablet computer to listen to your own music or play another round of "Angry Birds" in the comfort of your seat.

Cabin crewmembers are responsible for enforcing this new policy, so please pay close attention to their instructions and don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions. They are always happy to assist.

Join Voyager

Events

The Rio Carnival is the mother of all parades, an extravaganza that dates back to 1723.

It promises to live up to its legacy in 2013, when the streets of Rio will come alive in a blaze of colour, song and dance.

The Sambadrome, where the display will be, will host all kinds of floats and festivities as rival schools show-off their outfits & bands before awed onlookers. SAA promises to fly you to Rio porta-bandeira style, and ensure that you don't miss the two major days that define this occasion: Carnival Sunday and the Champions Parade.

Win With Avis

Rent with Avis and you could win a holiday worth R50 000!

Either redeem your Voyager Miles or click and book your rental below now, so that you stand a chance to win a summer holiday to the value of R50 000, or one of three monthly local getaways to the value of R10 000.

Get even more value when redeeming your Voyager Miles with Avis. Thanks to a decreased redemption rate, you can now rent with Avis from 6 500* Miles per day. Click here for competition terms and conditions.

SAA Holidays - All Inclusive Value Packages

Fly-in package includes: Return flights into Washington DC and out of New York, 2 Nights at the 3* Carlyle Suites in Washington DC, 2 Nights at the 3* Boston Park Plaza, 3 Nights at the Holiday Inn Express Madison Square in New York, Amtrak tickets from Washington DC via New York to Boston and Boston to New York.

• 3 Nights – Windhoek Country Club package from ONLY R6 545* per person sharing

Fly in package Includes: Return flights from Johannesburg to Windhoek including approx airline levies, 4 Days Group B Avis car hire, 3 Nights accommodation at the 4* Windhoek Country Club with breakfast daily.

Fly in package Includes: Return flights into Washington DC and out of New York, 2 Nights at the 3* Carlyle Suites in Washington DC, 2 Nights at the 3* Sheraton Society Hill in Philadelphia, 3 Nights at the 3* Holiday Inn Express Madison Square in New York, Amtrack tickets from Washington DC to Philadelphia and Philadelphia to New York

Bonus: Baggage allowance – 2 Pieces of luggage allowed at a maximum of 23kg per person on SAA flights to the USA.